Artist Hal Pickel hooks new show on trip

James Garmezy's 'James River Cat,' hot-sculpted glass and electroplated copper, will be on view at Two Moon Gallery.

Hal Pickel returned from a fishing trip to celebrate a friend's return from Afghanistan fascinated by the catfish, bass and sun perch he'd seen. He began a new series of his colorful, rustic paintings - all featuring fish.

This latest series is something of a departure for Pickel as he experiments with composition and touches of whimsy. His amiable fish swim against watery blues and among schools of lures in complementary colors.

As Pickel made plans for "Gone Fishin'," which opens with a 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. reception Thursday at Two Moon Gallery, glass sculptor Grant Garmezy walked in with some of his work.

Garmezy grew up on a farm near Nashville and now resides in Richmond, Va. His distinctive animal sculptures include "trophies" - beautiful reimaginings of mounted deer, steer and other heads - and exquisite playful catfish sculptures.

"Gone Fishin' " will include about 10 of Garmezy's sculptures and 12 of Pickel's fish paintings.

The show is also bittersweet because when it closes on Dec. 23, Hal and Rachel Pickel "will hang their 'Gone Fishin' sign on the gallery door and will charter a new voyage," according to their press release.

"It has been a fantastic experience; I've loved every single minute of it," Hal Pickel said of the past four years. He also said he'll continue to paint.

Two Moon Gallery is at 2905 12th Ave. S., Unit 108. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For information call 615-942-5352 or go to www.twomoongallery.com.

- MiChelle Jones, for The Tennessean

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Artist Hal Pickel hooks new show on trip

Hal Pickel returned from a fishing trip to celebrate a friend's return from Afghanistan fascinated by the catfish, bass and sun perch he'd seen.